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Getting rid of weeds can seem like a never-ending chore. They're not just garden pests; they're also an eyesore when they gather between the brick pavers that are usually so attractive. This is especially a problem if there are gaps between the pavers rather than those that are interlocking. To keep weeds at bay in those spaces, adopt one or more control techniques, some of which are put in place before laying the bricks.

1

Spray weeds until they are wet with a ready-to-use nonselective herbicide product, such as one with glyphosate. Do this two weeks before laying the pavers. Respray weeds that are still alive with the herbicide in one week. Discard the dead weeds.

2

Lay a landscape or geotextile fabric before laying new pavers. After installation, fill the gaps between the pavers with stones to further inhibit weed growth. Note, however, that landscape fabric can inhibit water drainage, so ensure that the soil is well-draining by amending it with organic matter before application. Also, regularly remove debris that accumulates between the pavers.

3

Spray a ready-to-use, pre-emergent herbicide that is labeled for the problem weeds that were previously growing where the pavers are installed. Spray this type of herbicide in the spaces between the pavers until the ground is wet. Do this just before those weeds are expected to germinate, often in early spring or summer, depending on the type of weed and product.

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4

Dig into the soil between the pavers and plant a groundcover that is hardy in your area and is tolerant of the sunlight conditions where the pavers are located. Plant individual plants as deep as the nursery containers, and at the closest recommended spacing for quick coverage. For example, blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) -- which is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9 -- makes an excellent groundcover for such purpose. In mild Mediterranean climates, you could also plant Bowles' common periwinkle (Vinca minor "Bowles") in USDA zones 4 to 9.

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About the Author

Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.